Apollon, Statue in Versailles, France
Apollo Phoebus is a white stone statue of a nude male figure in the gardens of Versailles, standing on a tiered stone base. The figure leans his left arm on a tall draped support and holds a cylindrical object up in his right hand, with his legs crossed at the ankles.
This ancient marble piece was seized in 1793 from the Château d’Écouen and later brought to Versailles, where it was placed around the Miroir basin in 1820. Over time, several restorations repaired its hair, drapery, fingers and base.
The name Apollo links the figure to the sun god, a theme that runs through many parts of the Versailles gardens. Visitors often encounter this sculpture as part of a larger outdoor display where ancient gods frame the royal landscape.
Look for this standing figure near the edge of the garden, where flat paths make it easy to approach from several sides. Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light for viewing the carved details.
Although it looks like a simple garden figure, the statue has been known by two different names: Apollo or Pothos. Its body bears traces of repeated repairs, from a missing finger to a rebuilt foot, showing the long life of a single carved block.
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